The Florida Highway Patrol is joining five other southern states in a new campaign to reduce high-speed crashes.
Their message is simple: slow down and buckle up. Starting Monday, FHP, along with other local agencies, will be on the lookout for reckless drivers.
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WATCH HEREThis comes after an increase in violent, sometimes deadly, crashes. Speeding has increased in the last couple of years, the agency said.
“We’ve seen a troubling trend in speeding and aggressive driving, to also include highway road violence — shootings,” said FHP’s Major Robert Chandler.
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This week, drivers in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee will see an increased trooper presence on highways.
FHP says there are more violent crashes despite a lower number of crashes overall.
“Basically, to put it simply, crashes are becoming more deadly, the reason is due to high speeds,” Chandler said.
Local
NBC 6 took a ride with FHP Trooper Benny Corominas. Within minutes, he pulled over a car for going 30 miles above the speed limit.
Aside from the points on your driving records, driving recklessly can mean a legal headache.
“While it’s not a criminal violation, it does require a mandatory appearance in court,” Chandler said. “I don’t think you’re going to get away pretty cheap from a judge. I don’t know how you would explain going 100 miles an hour anywhere.”
Troopers say there are two things you can do to prevent getting pulled over: Slow down and wear your seatbelt.
“Two of the most important actions drivers can take to reduce their chances of being involved in a crash and the severity of the crash,” Chandler said.
The campaign started Monday, July 18, and lasts a week.
